Wasabi Popcorn Recipe
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This homemade Wasabi Popcorn recipe is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. Fresh popped popcorn is tossed with wasabi powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and oil for a unique flavor combination that is perfect for snacking!
Check out Flavored Popcorn Recipes for even more delicious popcorn flavors and ideas!
I originally created this recipe back in February 2015 based on the characters in a Disney movie. The post contained three popcorn flavors White Chocolate Popcorn and Honey Lemon Popcorn along with this wasabi popcorn. I had always planned to create separate posts for each of the recipes, but time slipped away!
Since the original post was a mess and the images were dated, I decided to go all out and take all new images and tweak the recipe by adding a bit of sugar to even out the flavors. I do not like spicy food of any kind, but I could not stop eating this popcorn…it is amazing!!
What you will need
- Popcorn – popped in the microwave, Instant Pot Popcorn, or on top of the stove, whichever you prefer.
- Wasabi Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Fine Sea Salt
- Granulated Sugar
- A light flavored oil like sunflower, avocado, or olive oil to help the seasonings stick.
- A very large bowl to toss the ingredients together. I highly recommend a metal bowl over plastic. The smooth surface makes it much easier to stir!
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
What is Wasabi Powder?
Wasabi is a Japanese horseradish, Wasabia japonica, that is valued for its fiery flavor and purifying qualities. It is dried and ground into a fine, light green powder. It is most commonly mixed with water to create a paste that is served on sushi platters.
Wasabi powder can be added to fish, mashed potatoes, sprinkled on eggs, mixed into salad dressing, or creamy dips for a punch of flavor.
Microwave Method: Place one-third cup of popcorn kernels in a brown lunch bag and microwave for 3.5 minutes, or use the popcorn button. I usually make two batches and snack on the leftovers.
How to make homemade Wasabi Popcorn
Mix wasabi powder, garlic powder, sugar, and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Place popcorn in a large bowl. Sprinkle popcorn with half of the wasabi mixture, and toss.
Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with remaining wasabi mixture. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
This popcorn would be perfect to serve on game day!
Stovetop Method: Pour 3 tablespoons of oil and 0.5-cup of popcorn kernels into a 4-quart pot. Cover pot with lid leaving it slightly ajar so the steam can escape. Cook popcorn over medium heat shaking the pan frequently. When popping slows, remove the the pot from heat.
Popcorn FAQs
Store popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Popcorn starts to get chewy the longer it sits.
It is spicy in the way that it clears your sinuses but doesn’t burn your tongue like a spicy chili pepper does. Wasabi has a similar taste to hot mustard, the addition of garlic powder adds another layer of flavor while the sugar brings all of the flavors together.
Tools used to create this recipe
You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!
- Gourmet Yellow Popcorn
- Wasabi Powder – you may also be able to find it in your local grocery store or Asian market depending on where you live.
- 8 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl
- Silicone Spoonula – it is helpful to have two so you can toss from both sides at the same time.
If you love flavored popcorn as much as we do, try Salsa Verde Popcorn, Taco Popcorn, or this sweet and salty Instant Pot Chocolate Bacon Popcorn.
If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!
Enjoy!!
Wasabi Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 cups popped popcorn unpopped kernels removed
- 2 tablespoons light flavored oil avocado, olive oil, sunflower, etc.
- 2 – 3 teaspoon wasabi powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Mix wasabi powder, garlic powder, sugar, and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place popcorn in a large bowl. Sprinkle popcorn with half of the wasabi mixture, and toss.
- Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with remaining wasabi mixture. Toss to combine.
Notes
- Store leftover popcorn in a sealed container or up to 3 days for best flavor and texture.
- I highly recommend a metal bowl over plastic. The smooth surface makes it much easier to stir.
- Microwave method – place one-third cup of popcorn kernels in a brown lunch bag and microwave for 3.5 minutes, or use the popcorn button. I usually make two batches and snack on the leftovers.
- Stovetop method – Pour 3 tablespoons of oil and 0.5-cup of popcorn kernels into a 4-quart pot. Cover pot with lid leaving it slightly ajar so the steam can escape. Cook popcorn over medium heat shaking the pan frequently. When popping slows, remove the the pot from heat.
- Instant Pot Popcorn method.